Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Thermal Systems (Winter/Spring 2027)

About the role

Internship, Embedded Software Engineer, Thermal Systems (Winter/Spring 2027) | Tesla (Vehicle Software)

Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 285797 | Job Type: Intern/Apprentice

What to Expect

Consider before submitting an application

This position is expected to start around January 2027 and continue through the entire Spring term (ending approximately May 2027 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. Our internship program is for students who are actively enrolled in an academic program. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

What You'll Do

• Develop, enhance and debug new and existing behaviors for the coolant, refrigerant, and cabin HVAC systems
• Drive firmware development in C in a real-time embedded environment for performance, scalability, robustness, and tight integration with the hardware
• Hands-on with hardware bring up, build and enforce component validation for delivering robust, functional code
• Collaborate across disciplines with electrical, mechanical, and controls engineering teams to produce integrated software-hardware solutions
• Work with various cross-functional teams to develop requirements for new thermal system features, diagnostics, algorithms, etc.

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field of study with a graduation date between May 2027 – May 2028
• Proficiency in C and real time embedded environments
• Proficiency in Python
• Strong software fundamentals including firmware architecture, algorithm development, data structures, code modularity, and maintainability
• Experience working with microcontroller peripherals such as timers, ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, UART, LIN, I2C
• Hands on experience with various motor types (brushed, brushless, steppers) and sensor types (analog, digital encoders)
• Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and understanding circuit behavior

Benefits

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$36.06 - $58.89 + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.